October 4th, 1863.—I saw something awful this morning; I wish I had not seen it. We were taking a box of hospital supplies to the depot, to ship to Richmond and, when we turned the corner by Fisher’s Green, a group of soldiers were standing there. It was early, the sun had been up but just a few minutes and it shone bright on the group. I always look at soldiers, but I am sorry I looked at these for they had two poor fellows, who had deserted and been caught and, while we were looking, the squad fired and the deserters fell dead. Isn’t it perfectly awful? I didn’t think it ought to be done. So many are killed in battle and lives are worth more than that. To kill them when maybe they meant to come back. I am afraid I shall not sleep a wink tonight.
Susan Bradford is 17 years old when this entry was made.